Ordinary Men: The "Forgotten Holocaust"
Ordinary Men: The "Forgotten Holocaust"

Movie spotlight

Ordinary Men: The "Forgotten Holocaust"

2022
Movie
58 min
German

Six million Jews died during World War II, both in the extermination camps and murdered by the mobile commandos of the Einsatzgruppen and police battalions, whose members shot men, women and children, day after day, obediently, as if it were a normal job, a fact that is hardly known today. Who were these men and how could they commit such crimes?

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users90%
Director: Christopher ReillyGenres: Documentary, History

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the horrific experiences of the Jewish population during the Holocaust, focusing on the often-overlooked aspects of their systematic persecution and the complicity of ordinary individuals in these atrocities. It delves into the historical context and the profound human tragedy that unfolded, aiming to shed light on a dark chapter of history. The film provides a harrowing account of the systematic dehumanization and murder of millions, emphasizing the individual stories within the larger historical narrative. It seeks to understand how such immense suffering could occur and the lasting impact it has had on survivors and subsequent generations.

Critical Reception

Critical reception for 'Ordinary Men: The "Forgotten Holocaust"' has been largely positive, with critics commending its sensitive handling of a difficult subject matter and its commitment to historical accuracy. The documentary is noted for bringing to light lesser-known aspects of the Holocaust and for its powerful personal testimonies. Audiences have found the film to be deeply moving and educational, reinforcing the importance of remembering these events.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its thorough research and respectful portrayal of victims.

  • Highlights the often-unexamined role of ordinary citizens in perpetrating atrocities.

  • An essential and deeply affecting educational documentary.

Google audience: Google users have overwhelmingly praised 'Ordinary Men: The "Forgotten Holocaust"' for its profound historical insight and emotional impact. Many reviewers expressed gratitude for the film's detailed examination of the Holocaust, particularly its focus on the experiences of ordinary people. The documentary is frequently described as a vital reminder of history's lessons and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards, Winner of the Peabody Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking.

Fun Fact

The film features newly discovered archival footage from Eastern Europe that provides unprecedented visual context to the events depicted.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
BornKnight

BornKnight

Interesting and sad documentary about the Einsatzgruppen (firing squads) of Germany's WWII, that was considered as a privileged group as they didn't had to go to the fronts, instead of the Wehrmacht (war forces). Seeing by a group of ge...